Assignment: Film Critique

Once per unit write a formal film review of your choice in your process journal.

Guide to Writing A Film Critique

A good film critique provides the reader with a basic idea of what the film is about, and the writer’s critical assessment of the success/failure or effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the film supported by the evidence the writer gathers from the film. It is, therefore, more than a plot synopsis or the enthusiastic blurbs of publicity hype.

Style

  • Avoid writing in the first person (I, Me My)
  • Avoid words such as "great," "excellent," and the all-encompassing "really good."

Introduction

  • State the title, director, year of the film, and genre
  • Give a brief description of the plot, main characters, setting. DO NOT TRY TO RECOUNT EVERYTHING: IT CAN'T BE DONE
  • What is the production concept, theme(s) and intended impact on the audience? Are obvious or only subtly evident?

Cinematic Art

For the following answer the how and why? use specific examples.

  • Do the plot, acting, and other elements in the film successfully impart the production concept, theme and intended impact on the audience to the viewer?
  • Is the cinematography effective? Does the film make certain use of color, texture, lighting, etc. to enhance the mood, setting, production concept, theme and intended impact on the audience?
  • Are camera angles and movement used effectively? Are they ever used for a particular effect?
  • Is the sound both diegetic and non-diegetic used effectively? Is it ever used for a particular effect?
  • Does the film make use of symbols or symbolism? What purpose do the symbols serve? Are they used effectively? How does the symbolism in the film contribute to or enhance the film’s overall theme?
  • Are there special effects (and/or special effects makeup) in the film? If so, are they essential to the plot? Are they handled skillfully? Do they serve a necessary function, or does the film sacrifice plot or characterization for the effects themselves?
  • Are the characters believable?
  • Are the actors appropriately cast?
  • Is the setting/locale appropriate and effective?

Criterion A (i,ii) Criterion D (iii)

Criterion A (MYP3) Knowledge and Understanding

i. demonstrate knowledge of the art form studied, including concepts, processes, and the use of appropriate language
ii. demonstrate knowledge of the role of the art form in original or displaced contexts
Achievement level
Level descriptor
0
Thestudentdoesnotreachastandarddescribedbyanyofthedescriptorsbelow.
1–2
The student:

i. demonstrates limited knowledge of the art form studied, including concepts, processes, and limited use of appropriate language
ii. demonstrates limited knowledge of the role of the art form in original or displaced contexts
3–4
The student:

i. demonstrates adequate knowledge of the art form studied, including concepts, processes, and adequate use of appropriate language
ii. demonstrates adequate knowledge of the role of the art form in original or displaced contexts
5–6
The student:

i. demonstrates substantial knowledge of the art form studied, including concepts, processes, and substantial use of appropriate language
ii. demonstrates substantial knowledge of the role of the art form in original or displaced contexts
7–8
The student:

i. demonstrates excellent knowledge of the art form studied, including concepts, processes, and excellent use of appropriate language
ii. demonstrates excellent knowledge of the role of the art form in original or displaced context

Criterion D (MYP3) Responding

iii. evaluate the artwork of self and others.

Achievement level
Level descriptor
0
The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors below.
1–2
The student:

iii. presents a limited evaluation of the artwork of self and others.
3–4
The student:

iii. presents an adequate evaluation of the artwork of self and others.
5–6
The student:

iii. presents a substantial evaluation of the artwork of self and others.
7–8
The student:

iii. presents an excellent evaluation of the artwork of self and others.